Homesick Scottish students most likely to return home today

Debbie Clarke

Today is the day homesick students are most likely to return home from university for the first time, according to new research.

Just three weeks into the new term, many students are expected to head back to their home town today (Tuesday, October 13) as the reality of student life sets in.

The findings, from independent research and innovation group Atos, revealed a dramatic rise in travel for 16-25 Railcard users travelling from University towns.

The analysis of over 1.7 million journeys showed the third week in October as the most popular for rail travel, with journeys peaking on a Tuesday.

Last year saw more than 337,000 journeys made by students, with train companies expecting a similar spike again this year.

The increase in journeys is second only to the busy Christmas period.

Andrew Robertson, from 16-25 Railcard, said: “Going to university for the first time can be an exciting but daunting experience for young adults and our research indicates that for many the reality of living away from parents can really kick in after just a few weeks.

“It’s interesting to see such a clear spike in Railcard journeys in October, as students begin running low on money, missing home-cooked meals, or maybe even running out of clean clothes! A trip home seems to be just what students need to recharge the batteries after a few hectic weeks at University.

“With the 16-25 Railcard we want to make travel more accessible for students by providing a third off rail travel, meaning home is never too far away for homesick students during term-time.”

Meanwhile, students in Scotland making friends during their first month at university are most likely to bond over their favourite TV programmes according to research released today by TV Licensing.

Whether they are Strictly super-fans, or hooked on the latest gossip from TOWIE, over 60 per cent of current university students in Scotland said they found common ground by striking up conversation about the programmes they love.

The research also found, perhaps surprisingly, that only 30 per cent break the ice by discussing recent trends appearing on social media.